Well Aged Briar - opinions sought

Brandywine · Post by **Brandywine** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:12 pm

Hello all,

As I look at purchasing some old briar 50+yrs, I am looking for a general concensus opinion on aged briar.

Is old briar (50yrs+ since being cut) better or worse or no different than younger briar ?

If you are experienced with old briar, please state your experineces with it in your reply.

RadDavis · Post by **RadDavis** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 11:38 pm

I have no experience with smoking qualities, but I have blasted some very old Algerian that came from Mark Tinsky. It's as hard as a rock.

It's also a red/brown color all the way through and doesn't take stain real well (on smooths), according to Mark.

Rad

Skip · Post by **Skip** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 1:20 am

I bought a batch of briar that was harvested in the 5o`s. It was very good as far as grain was concerned.
Like Rad said it does tend to have some funky color issues. I had no trouble with stains.
Not one of my customers noticed any thing different about how they smoked.

Skip

RadDavis · Post by **RadDavis** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 10:24 am

I guess I shouldn't have said they don't take stain well.

Mark said with the uniform darker color, that stain didn't bring out the grain very well.

Rad

Brandywine · Post by **Brandywine** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 11:06 am

Anyone notice any difference in checks, or voids ?

JHowell · Post by **JHowell** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 1:38 pm

It all depends on the price. If it's $4 a block, I'd buy first and ask questions later. If it's Super-Rare 50-Year-Old Algerian Briar, No Longer Available, The Same Wood Dunhill Used in the Golden Age for $20 a block, I'd skip it. I'd probably even skip it for $15 a block, you can get ebauchons from Mimmo for that. I've used this sort of old wood and it can make a nice pipe, but nothing magical. Mimmo's blocks taste at least as good.